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Martinez last fought in November, knocking out Paul Williams in Atlantic City.

Martinez to Face Sergiy Dzinziruk at the MGM Grand Arena at Foxwoods

2010 Fighter of the Year Sergio Martinez (46-2-2, 25 KOs) will return to action for the first time since a devastating knockout of Paul Williams this past November, fighting Sergiy Dzinziruk (37-0, 34 KOs) on March 12th. The bout will take place at the MGM Grand Arena at Foxwoods in Mashantucket, Connecticut, and on the line will be the World Boxing Council (WBC) Diamond Championship at the middleweight division.

“March 12 is what world class boxing is all about,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment, which represents Martinez. “Sergio Martinez is proving that he has no interest in resting on his laurels by taking on an accomplished champion such as Sergiy Dzinziruk. Once again, ‘Maravilla’ will show why he is not only the 2010 Fighter of the Year, but also the people's champion.”

With the event so close to St. Patrick’s Day, the co-feature of the evening has fittingly been dubbed the “Celtic War.” In a 10-round middleweight affair, Andy Lee of Ireland will take on Scotland native Craig McEwan, something DiBella feels will be a very appealing encounter for boxing fans.

“Those looking for a good ole fashioned knockdown, drag out war to ring in St. Patrick's Day will be fulfilled when Andy Lee and Craig McEwan duke it out,” he remarked. “Both are old school sluggers with proud roots. Get your tickets now, because with such great action assured, they will not last.”

While he is currently 35-years-old, Martinez has arguably never looked better in his entire career than he has in recent times. The Argentine fighter won the WBC and WBO Middleweight Championship last April by defeating Kelly Pavlik via unanimous decision, even though it was just his second bout at the weight class. The knockout of Williams in November was undoubtedly the consensus “Knockout of the Year,” and it also avenged a tight majority decision loss the previous December.

“I believe my next fight could be my best fight of my career because my boxing is getting better,” Martinez said. “I am physically stronger, and I am stronger mentally. My rival is a great fighter and a great champion for several years now, but on March 12 he will fight the best Sergio Martinez, and the fans will witness a spectacular show and the best fight of my career.”

Unbeaten in 37 professional fights, Dzinziruk has held the WBO Super Welterweight Title since winning it back in 2005, and he has successfully defended it on six occasions. However, the native Ukranian enters this match knowing that he is facing the biggest challenge of his career.

“First of all, it’s a great opportunity for everyone involved to fight such great champions,” Dzinziruk commented. “I really appreciate the opportunity to fight Sergio Martinez and show the world how good I am. I am looking forward to the fight, and I am very excited. I have not tasted defeat yet and I want to keep it that way. My team and I know how much work was done by Banner Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions to make this fight, and it is greatly appreciated. We’re looking forward to a great fight with Sergio Martinez.”

With these two bouts now confirmed, DiBella Entertainment announced on Tuesday that a full undercard will be announced in the coming weeks.